Israel has completed military preparations for a possible renewed confrontation with Iran as the head of US Central Command has presented President Donald Trump with options for resuming attacks, Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported.
The Israeli military has finalized its defensive and offensive preparations for a potential resumption of hostilities, although the decision to launch military action rests with Trump as Washington and Tehran continue negotiations, the newspaper said, citing unnamed political sources.
According to the report, Israeli military and political leaders are preparing for another round of fighting but do not control the decision to initiate it.
The preparations reportedly include repeated Israeli air force exercises involving dozens of fighter jets and aerial refueling aircraft in Syrian and Iraqi airspace, simulating potential routes toward Iran.
US Central Command chief Brad Cooper presented military options to Trump during a meeting attended by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine, the newspaper reported. No decision has been made on whether to resume military operations.
The report also said 10 US military transport aircraft has arrived at Israeli air bases in recent days as part of an operation to deliver military equipment to the region.
The developments come amid continued US military reinforcements and preparations for a possible resumption of hostilities, it added.
However, Washington faces uncertainty over the strategic objectives of any potential military campaign, with attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile systems and military infrastructure not necessarily resulting in a change of government or policy.
The sources suggested that Washington could use the threat of military action to pressure Tehran into accepting an agreement on terms more favorable to the United States.
Sources also said an agreement that fails to address Israeli concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme, missile capabilities and military buildup would leave key security issues unresolved.
The report warned that any renewed confrontation could spread to Lebanon if Hezbollah becomes involved, potentially prolonging the conflict and placing additional pressure on Israel’s air defence systems and stocks of interceptor missiles.
Meanwhile, indirect contacts between Washington and Tehran, mediated by Qatar, have reportedly made progress, with discussions aimed at creating conditions for direct negotiations.
The proposed talks could address Iran’s nuclear programme, the Strait of Hormuz and economic incentives for Tehran, while China and Russia could potentially act as guarantors of an agreement, the newspaper said.
The report concluded that Israel’s challenge extends beyond preparing for possible military action to ensuring that any operation has clearly defined strategic objectives, conditions for ending hostilities and outcomes that serve its long-term security interests.
